Heimaey, Westman Islands, Iceland

Day 150 of 164 Days Around the World Cruise Heimaey is the largest and only inhabited island of the Westman Islands archipelago, located off the southern coast of Iceland. The island has a rich history dating back to the 9th century, when it was first settled by Vikings. Heimaey has been shaped by volcanic activity throughout its history, and in 1973, the island was hit by a major volcanic eruption. The eruption lasted for five months and destroyed over 400 homes, but the island's residents were able to rebuild their community. Today, Heimaey is a vibrant and thriving community with a population of around 5,000 people. The Eldheimar Museum is a fascinating place to learn about the history of Heimaey and the 1973 eruption. The museum is located in a house that was buried by ash during the eruption, and it has been carefully excavated and restored. The museum's exhibits tell the story of the eruption, from the first tremors to the rebuilding of the community. Eldheimar is a must-visit for anyone interested in the history of Iceland and the power of nature. Visitors can also take a boat trip to the nearby Surtsey Island, which was formed by a volcanic eruption in 1963. Heimaey is a unique and fascinating place, and it is a great place to learn about the history of Iceland and the power of nature. The Eldheimar Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in this fascinating island. Naes resturant located in Heimaey is a wonderful tapas style resturant serving Icelandic specialties with an international twist. The menu is ever changing utilizing the freshest ingredients available. The staff is very welcoming and we really enjoyed chatting with them. We had a wonderful lunch today at Naes with the Viking Neptune's Cruise Director, Ryan Bishop. Definitely stop in and enjoy a meal at Naes while visiting Heimaey.